Use of courtrooms for publicity, theatrics unacceptable, NBA tells Sowore

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA has told activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore that while courtrooms in a constitutional democracy are open to the public as sanctuaries for the orderly administration of justice, they are not stages for performance.

NBA said the use of a courtroom as a venue for publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings.

The NBA said this in a statement by its president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
in reaction to the incident involving Sowore and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, on Tuesday at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

NBA noted that Sowore entered the courtroom accompanied by a number of individuals carrying camera phones and recording equipment.

“He proceeded to set up what appeared to be preparations for a press conference within the courtroom itself. Members of his team attended to him, fanning his face and tidying his appearance in a manner akin to a broadcast setting.

“He subsequently moved into the inner bar, sat on one of the tables, and, as cameras were directed at him, began addressing what he described as “a range of national issues.”

But the NBA noted that Sowore’s case was not listed for hearing, and he was not accompanied by any legal practitioner during the event.

“The development led to tension within the courtroom and a confrontation with learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, who objected to the conduct and insisted on maintaining courtroom decorum,” NBA said.

While condemning the action of Sowore, NBA noted that Courtrooms are solemn spaces dedicated to the administration of justice.

“Any conduct that undermines the dignity of the court, intimidates legal practitioners, or disrupts proceedings constitutes a grave affront to the rule of law.

“The use of a courtroom as a venue for publicity, advocacy theatrics, or confrontation is unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline required in judicial proceedings.

“While every Nigerian, including Mr. Sowore, is entitled to attend and observe court proceedings, such right must be exercised responsibly and with due regard to courtroom decorum.

“Public access to the courts does not extend to converting the courtroom into a platform for press briefings or actions capable of undermining the dignity and authority of the court, whether or not the court is in session.

“The NBA therefore condemns Mr. Sowore’s disruption of the courtroom environment and expresses solidarity with Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, and all lawyers who insisted on maintaining decorum.

“We also call on court authorities to ensure that courtrooms remain protected spaces for the orderly administration of justice and free from acts capable of intimidating legal practitioners in the discharge of their professional duties.

“The NBA will continue to defend the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of judicial proceedings. The courtroom must remain a place of order, respect, disciplined advocacy, and responsible public access, not spectacle, confrontation, or disorder,” NBA said in the statement.

NBA noted that while openness of the courtrooms promotes transparency and public confidence, it als also imposed a duty of restraint on all who enter.

“Access to the courtroom is therefore a right exercised within boundaries of decorum, discipline, and respect for judicial authority. The courtroom exists solely for adjudication, and its openness cannot be stretched to permit activities unrelated to that purpose,” the NBA said